iStent Glaucoma Treatment

iStent Glaucoma Treatment

Dr. Brad A. Snead of Snead Eye Group has recently received certification to provide iStent Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stent to treat cataracts and glaucoma. Glaucoma affects over 60 million people worldwide and is the second leading cause of irreversible blindness. The disease is defined by pressure inside the eye, cupping of the optic disc and loss of visual field. Glaucoma can not be cured and treatments aim to reduce the pressure within the eye, which is normally achieved through medical therapy, laser treatments or incisional glaucoma surgery. Because of the risk of severe side effects, surgery was usually reserved for advanced stages of the glaucoma, when topical antiglaucoma drugs and laser treatments fail to control the disease.

Approved by the FDA in July of 2012, the GLAUKOS iStent Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stent, the world’s smallest medical device, provides a long-term, non-medicinal treatment for patients suffering from Open-Angle Glaucoma. This tiny titanium stent is inserted into the eye to help aide in the natural draining of intraocular fluid into the blood stream, reducing pressure build up within the eye.

“The iStent is truly a breakthrough for patients suffering from open-angle glaucoma, especially for those suffering from cataracts as well,” said Dr. Brad A Sneed. “The iStent is minimally invasive because it is implemented through the same tiny incision used during cataract surgery. Even more exciting is that many patients who choose the iStent have a reduction in the number of medicines and other treatments to keep the intraocular pressure under control.”

Founded by Dr. John W. Snead in 1985, Snead Eye Group offers eye care for a lifetime, from fitting your first pair of glasses or contact lenses to curing cataracts while providing the latest technology and treatment options available. With locations in Fort Myers and Naples, Snead Eye Group employs more than 30 experienced staff members, an ophthalmologist and three optometrists.

Financing for your iStent with cataract surgery is available

Snead Eye Group works with Care Credit, a finance company that can help patients pay any high insurance deductible and help pay for Tecnis Multifocal or Toric Lens for cataract surgery patients. When patients apply and are approved we offer a two year, no interest rate, payment plan. Learn more about Care Credit financing.